A Breakdown of the ACT

Colleges use ACT and SAT scores alongside grades, extracurriculars, and interviews to evaluate applicants and determine admissions. Scoring well on the ACT can broaden your student’s horizons, allowing them admittance to additional schools and, in some cases, access to additional scholarships.

To maximize the opportunity the ACT presents, students need to have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and a prior knowledge of what types of questions to expect. Test Prep Chicago is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Questions. Thanks to this, we are in a uniquely strong position to offer insights into this exam.

Here is an overview of the sections you can expect to see on the ACT:

English (50 questions. 35 minutes. 42 seconds per question)

The English test includes six to seven personal and informational essays of varying lengths. Longer passages of ~340 words will be accompanied by 10 questions, and shorter passages of ~185 words will be accompanied by 5 questions. You will be tested on a variety of topics, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, tone, topic development, organization and cohesion.

Math (45 questions. 50 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The math test includes questions that require you to solve practical math problems using logical reasoning. Approximately 80% of the math questions test high school level concepts, with the remaining 20% focusing on complex, multi-step problems and applicable knowledge of those concepts. At least 20% of all problems in the math section utilize mathematical models, such as graphs, diagrams, charts, matrices, etc. Note that an approved calculator is allowed for the math section.

Reading (36 questions. 40 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The reading test consists of three long passages and a pair of short passages. Passages will include both literary narratives and informational texts from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will have approximately 9 corresponding questions involving main ideas, details, point of view, and analysis of the author’s word choice and purpose.

Science* (40 questions. 40 minutes. 60 seconds per question)

The science test consists of six or seven passages that present scientific information from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. The information is presented in reading passages and graphic representations. Most questions in the science section will not test outside scientific knowledge but will instead rely more heavily on reading comprehension and interpretation of data. The answer to each question will typically be in the corresponding passage.

Writing* (1 prompt. 40 minutes.)

The writing test is a 40-minute essay designed to measure your writing skills. The prompt will present three different perspectives on a contemporary issue. You will be tasked with writing an essay in which you develop your own perspective on the issue and explore how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives. Essays are graded based on ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions.

You can view upcoming ACT test dates and register your student for the exam at act.org. Test Prep Chicago offers 8-week ACT courses and one-day workshops throughout the city. We have many courses that begin the weekend of January 31st, that line up perfectly with the April 11th ACT testing date. You can register for one of our ACT courses here, and sign up for one of our one-day ACT Palooza workshops here. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.

*The science and writing tests are optional for students testing privately. However, in Illinois public schools, students in grade 11 will take the ACT with writing, which includes tests in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing.

How Colleges Really Interpret SAT and ACT Scores

In addition to grades, extracurriculars, and interviews, the SAT and ACT continue to play an important role in how colleges evaluate applicants. Strong performance on either test can provide a meaningful advantage in a competitive college application process.

Colleges use SAT and ACT scores primarily to help them understand a student’s academic readiness compared to other students across the country. High school transcripts vary widely in grading standards, course availability, and academic rigor depending on the school a student attends, so test scores help to provide a more standardized method of understanding a student's academic performance. Note that scores are typically viewed in ranges rather than as hard cutoffs, and they are interpreted alongside GPA, course rigor, and trends over time.

The SAT is often read as a strong indicator of reasoning. Its focus on evidence-based reading and math allows colleges to assess how well students can analyze texts, interpret information, and apply foundational mathematical concepts. Admissions officers tend to view strong SAT scores as confirmation that a student’s classroom success reflects real mastery of core academic skills. The ACT, while equally respected, provides different information to admissions committees. Its faster pacing and broader subject coverage, including the science section, allow colleges to see how students perform under time pressure across multiple disciplines. Strong ACT scores are often interpreted as evidence of content knowledge, efficiency, and academic stamina. 

Importantly, colleges do not prefer one exam over the other. SAT and ACT scores are converted so they can be evaluated on the same scale. From an admissions standpoint, the value lies not in which test a student takes, but in how clearly that score reflects readiness for college-level work. This is why preparation matters; a well-prepared score signals discipline, familiarity with the exam’s structure, and the ability to perform at a student’s true academic level. Colleges understand that just as much as standardized tests are knowledge-based, they are also skills-based, and they expect scores to reflect preparation as much as academic talent.

Admissions officers also read scores in context. A score is evaluated relative to a student’s high school, available coursework, and opportunities. A strong score from a student who attended a school with limited advanced classes can carry significant weight, while a similar score from a highly resourced environment may be interpreted differently. In this way, test scores help colleges identify students who have made the most of their circumstances and demonstrated academic initiative and a desire to learn.

Ultimately, colleges view the SAT and ACT as important tools because they provide a standardized method of interpreting academic ability in an admissions landscape that is highly variable. These exams allow students to demonstrate readiness, resilience, and mastery in a format that colleges trust and understand. With thoughtful preparation, the SAT and ACT can be opportunities for students to take control of how their academic abilities are seen and evaluated. 

 While many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, many students choose to take the SAT or both exams. If your child is planning to take either assessment, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare. We offer one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, testing analytics, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking. 

What You Need to Know About Whitney Young's Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up this month and next, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Whitney Young’s Academic Center, a program that has thus far helped over 4,000 students achieve their goals through accelerated learning and early access to high school level classes.

Whitney Young High School is situated in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Admittance to Whitney Young’s Academic Center is highly coveted, as it also grants admittance to Whitney Young High School. This can certainly relieve a lot of stress from students, as they will not have to participate in Chicago’s highly competitive high school admissions process. Whitney Young advertises a “six-year plan” for enrolled 7th grade students, and the high school courses offered to middle school students can allow them increased flexibility to pursue their interests in their junior and senior years at Whitney Young.

Whitney Young 7th graders receive high school credit for their math and science classes. Additionally, these students have the opportunity to take high school level electives. 8th grade students will also receive high school credit for their Social Studies and English classes. Electives offered to Academic Center students at Whitney Young include Robotics, Computer Science, Piano, Orchestra, Dance, Drama, Film and Video, Graphic Design, various foreign language classes, and more!

Admission scores for Selective Enrollment Academic Centers are calculated on a 600-point scale. 300 points are determined by the Academic Center Entrance Exam, and 300 points are determined by 5th grade scores in math, reading, science, and social studies. While we cannot know the scores required for admittance into Whitney Young for the 2026-27 school year, last year’s cutoff scores for Whitney Young are listed below:

Rank                    Min. Point Total

Tier 4                                   565.5

Tier 3                                   542.5

Tier 2                                   547.5

Tier 1                                   507.5

Admission to Whitney Young is highly competitive, and the Academic Center Entrance Exam is a key component in the admissions process. Currently, Test Prep Chicago is offering individualized tutoring (click here), a self-paced online course (click here), and one-day workshops (click here) to ensure our students are as prepared as possible for the exam. Our extensive curriculum covers Number Series, Verbal and Figural Analogies, Paper Folding, Number Puzzles (Algebra), Figural Matrices, and more. We prepare students for every possible section that can appear on the ACEE. It is not too late to begin your student’s prep!

To find out more about Whitney Young Academic Center’s courses or extracurriculars, visit their website: here. To see the cutoff scores for all Selective Enrollment Academic Centers, click here.

All About Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up this month and next, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center, a program with a long-standing reputation in Chicago Public Schools and a strong option for students ready for accelerated academics in middle school.

Kenwood Academy's Academic Center is a selective enrollment public school located in Chicago’s Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood, which serves students in grades 7 and 8. Like with any Academic Center attached to a CPS selective enrollment high school, students who complete their 7th and 8th grade years at the Academic Center are guaranteed a seat at Kenwood Academy High School should they want it, allowing for a smooth transition into ninth grade.

One of the defining features of Kenwood’s Academic Center is that it places middle school students in a high school setting with increased academic expectations. The program is designed to provide accelerated instruction that goes beyond the standard middle school curriculum, helping students develop strong study habits, independence, and readiness for high school coursework. Academic Center students take core classes such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies at an advanced pace compared to traditional middle schools. Kenwood’s Academic Center also stands out for offering students the opportunity to earn high school credit while still in middle school, depending on the course. These credits can count toward high school graduation requirements for students who remain at Kenwood, giving them early exposure to advanced academic pathways. This structure allows motivated students to move into higher-level coursework once they enter high school.

As part of the larger Kenwood Academy community, Academic Center students benefit from being on a campus with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Kenwood Academy is known for its strong arts programs, including band, choir, and visual arts, as well as competitive athletic teams that participate in the Chicago Public League. The school also offers numerous student organizations and clubs that support interests in leadership, academics, and creative expression. While participation rules vary by activity, Academic Center students are connected to this broader environment, and are able to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Overall, Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center offers a well-rounded academic experience for students who are ready for greater challenges and responsibilities in middle school. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the Academic Center Entrance Exam/Regional Gifted Center Test by offering one-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring (click here). Our programs focus on building strong test-taking strategies, reinforcing essential tactics and skills necessary to succeed on the exam, offering plenty of test-taking practice, and helping students approach the test with confidence. Interested in learning more about the exam itself? Check out our breakdown here.

Learn More: Lindblom’s Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up in January/February of 2026, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 6th and 7th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Lindblom’s Academic Center, a strong choice for students who are ready for advanced academics and an early start on high school-level learning.

Lindblom Academic Center is part of Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy, a selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. Lindblom is widely known for its rigorous academic expectations, especially in math and science, and for its unique year-round school calendar. The Academic Center serves students in grades 7 and 8 and students admitted to Lindblom’s Academic Center are guaranteed a seat in Lindblom’s high school if they choose to continue there, creating a smooth transition into ninth grade. 

Academic Center students take accelerated courses that go deeper and move faster than standard middle school classes. In math, students typically complete an integrated two-year Algebra sequence, allowing many to begin geometry when they enter high school. In science, students receive laboratory-based training and participate in in-depth experiments. Lindblom also offers unique world language opportunities, including Mandarin Chinese and Arabic, giving students exposure to languages not commonly available at the middle school level.

Furthermore, Lindblom uses a block schedule, which allows students to spend longer periods in each class and explore topics in greater depth. In addition to core subjects, students participate in enrichment courses called colloquia, which are project-based classes that explore a wide range of topics such as science, culture, the arts, and real-world problem solving. 

Outside the classroom, Academic Center students are connected to Lindblom’s broader school community and can take part in extracurricular activities alongside older students, including Debate, Robotics, Art Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, and Gay/Straight Alliance. The school’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Public League, with sports such as basketball, football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, and track and field. 

Admission to Lindblom is selective and competitive, based on grades and performance on the CPS Academic Center Entrance Exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel prepared for the exam.

The ACT vs. the SAT: What You Need to Know

As students move closer to college applications, one big question often comes up: should my student take the ACT or the SAT? Both exams are widely accepted by colleges across the country, and neither test is considered “better” overall. That said, understanding how the ACT and SAT differ can help students choose the test that best fits them.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning, problem-solving, and working carefully through questions. It includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, with an optional essay that very few colleges now require. The math section places a strong emphasis on algebra, data analysis, and word problems that require careful reading. The reading passages often involve complex vocabulary and ask students to analyze tone, evidence, and meaning. The SAT gives students a bit more time per question than the ACT (about 15-25 seconds more time per question), which can be helpful for students who like to think slowly and double-check their work.

The ACT, on the other hand, is faster-paced and more content-based. It includes four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The ACT English section focuses strongly on grammar rules and editing skills, while the math section covers a wider range of topics, including geometry and trigonometry. One major difference is the Science section, which tests students on how well they can interpret charts, graphs, and experiments rather than how much science content they have memorized. Because the ACT moves quickly, students must work efficiently and make decisions fast.

Students who tend to do well on the SAT are often strong readers, careful thinkers, and comfortable with multi-step problems. If a student prefers fewer questions with more time to think, enjoys analyzing passages, and feels confident with algebra and word problems, the SAT may be a better fit. The SAT can also feel more manageable for students who struggle with time pressure.

The ACT is often a better choice for students who work quickly, feel confident with grammar rules, and are comfortable switching between topics at a fast pace. Students who enjoy straightforward questions, do well interpreting graphs and data, and have strong math skills across many topics may find the ACT plays to their strengths. Students who are less intimidated by time limits often prefer the ACT’s style.

Many students don’t know which test suits them best until they try both. Taking a practice SAT and ACT is often the smartest way to decide, since real performance matters more than general preferences. Colleges accept scores from either exam equally, so the goal is simply to choose the test that allows a student to show their best abilities. Additionally, many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, which results in many students taking it each year. If your child is planning to take the ACT or SAT, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare through one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking.

A Spotlight on the Brooks Academic Center

As we lead up to the Academic Center Entrance Exam, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we are spotlighting the Brooks Academic Center at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, an excellent opportunity for motivated students who are ready for an advanced program at a young age.

The Brooks Academic Center is part of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a highly regarded selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. The school is known for its strong academic focus and commitment to preparing students for college and high school, potentially at Brooks. 

Students at the Brooks Academic Center take courses that go beyond standard middle school material. The program is designed to prepare students for the rigorous high school curriculum offered at Brooks, which includes honors and Advanced Placement classes. One major benefit of attending the Academic Center is that students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a seat in the Brooks high school, giving them a smooth transition into ninth grade. Teachers encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and strong study habits that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Student life at Brooks emphasizes both learning and personal growth. While specific club offerings can vary from year to year and depend on student interest and teacher sponsorship, Brooks supports a range of student organizations that allow kids to build leadership and teamwork skills. Organizations such as Student Ambassadors are open to Academic Center students, and allow students to represent Brooks at events, help with tours, and develop leadership skills. Furthermore, the school offers many sports, including cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, bowling, baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and swimming for both boys and girls, as well as cheerleading and wrestling. Brooks also supports teams like chess for their Academic Center, a distinctive activity that has drawn attention as one of the few of its kind in the CPS system.

Admission to the Brooks Academic Center is competitive and based on academic performance and entrance exam results. For families interested in Brooks or other Academic Centers, strong test preparation can be very helpful. Test Prep Chicago supports students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel confident and ready for test day.

Let’s Learn About Lane Tech Academic Center

The Academic Center Entrance Exam (ACEE), also known as the Regional Gifted Center Test (RGC Test), plays a major role in admissions for selective enrollment 7th and 8th grade Academic Centers. There are 7 such Academic Centers in Chicago: Brooks, Kenwood, Lane Tech, Lindblom, Morgan Park, Taft, and Whitney Young. Students will be taking the ACEE in mid to late January; in the meantime, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring some of the top Academic Centers, laying out what makes them special. 

First up is Lane Tech. Founded in 1908, Lane Technical College Prep High School and Academic Center (also known as Lane Tech) is situated in Roscoe Village, a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Though founded many years ago, Lane Tech’s Academic Center opened in 2011. Since Lane Tech is both a selective enrollment high school and Academic Center, students enrolled in Lane’s academic center are automatically enrolled in Lane Tech’s high school program without needing to reapply.

Much like at other Academic Centers, students enrolled can gain high school credit for classes as well as work on material that is 1-2 years advanced. Furthermore, as early as their 7th-grade year, students at Lane Tech Academic Center begin receiving high school credit for classes like algebra, biology, global issues, and electives such as world language, art, music, or computer science. As students progress to high school, all Academic Center students at Lane are expected to take either Honor or Advanced Placement courses, though, still must meet all regular prerequisites in place by course instructors and departments. This puts students on track to already be taking AP courses (that may count for college credit) during their freshman year of high school.

In addition to academics, Lane Tech Academic Center also offers extracurriculars students would find at any other elementary school. Sports offered include cross country, track, basketball, soccer, and cheerleading to name a few. There are also other clubs and activities which include Student Council, Math Team, Yearbook, Science Olympiad, and Debate.

Admission scores for Selective Enrollment Academic Centers are calculated on a 600-point scale. 300 points are determined by the Academic Center Entrance Exam, and 300 points are determined by 5th grade scores in math, reading, science, and social studies. While we cannot know the scores required for admittance into Lane Tech for the 2026-27 school year, last year’s cutoff scores for Lane Tech are listed below:

Rank                    Min. Point Total

Tier 4                                   565

Tier 3                                   552.5

Tier 2                                   530

Tier 1                                   482.5

Admission to Lane Tech is highly competitive, and the Academic Center Entrance Exam is a key component in the admissions process. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), group courses (click here), and one-day workshops (click here) to ensure our students are as prepared as possible for the exam. Our extensive curriculum covers Number Series, Verbal and Figural Analogies, Paper Folding, Number Puzzles (Algebra), Figural Matrices, and more. We prepare students for every possible section that (to our knowledge) can appear on the ACEE. It is not too late to begin your student’s prep!

Thank you to Lauren Lynch, who compiled the majority of the research for this article for Test Prep Chicago. Her prior work on the subject can be found here. To find out more about Lane Tech Academic Center’s courses or extracurriculars, visit their website: https://lanetech.org/ltac/. To see the cutoff scores for all Selective Enrollment Academic Centers, click here.

Featuring Loyola Academy

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test (HSPT) this Saturday, December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top parochial schools in the area. This week, we are spotlighting Loyola Academy in Wilmette, a leading Catholic college-preparatory high school near Chicago.

Loyola Academy was founded in 1909 and is rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of faith, scholarship, and service. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, including a wide selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Students study English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, and theology, with opportunities for enrichment through specialized electives. Loyola also maintains strong college matriculation outcomes and is known for its committed and experienced faculty.

Additionally, student life at Loyola is well-rounded. The school supports numerous clubs, arts programs, athletic teams, and service opportunities. Extracurricular involvement is a major part of the Loyola experience, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. On the arts/performing-arts side, there are many clubs and activities including art clubs, jazz band, drumline, dance groups, theater/drama, and other visual & performing arts clubs. At the same time, athletics are a major strength: Loyola fields roughly 80 athletic teams across 34 different sports — making it one of the largest and most varied athletic programs among private/Catholic high schools in the area.

Admissions to Loyola Academy is competitive, and the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a key component of the application process. If your child is considering Loyola or another Catholic high school, focused preparation for the HSPT can make a meaningful difference. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), providing students with practice tests, targeted review, and proven strategies aligned with each section of the exam. Although the test is coming up very soon, scheduling even a one-hour session prior to the exam can help improve confidence, test-taking strategies, and scores. 

Learn More about St. Ignatius College Prep

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test on December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago. This week, we will be spotlighting St. Ignatius College Prep!

St. Ignatius was founded in 1869, and is well-known for its Ignatian philosophy, academic rigor, and incredible campus. Its main building survived the Great Chicago Fire, making it one of the few pre-fire structures still standing in the city. For this reason, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Chicago Landmark. The campus now spans more than 20 acres, and is located in the Near West Side neighborhood. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Ignatian values; reflection, service, and social justice are central to its identity. Students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and intellectually, preparing them to think critically and act compassionately. 

St. Ignatius also offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including 28 Advanced Placement courses. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between students and faculty. Student life at Ignatius is also very vibrant; the school supports more than a hundred clubs, spanning academic, social, service, and community engagement interests. Their athletics program includes teams across many sports, and students compete in well-respected Catholic athletic conferences. The school is well known for its football and cross country teams!

Admissions to St. Ignatius is competitive. The school makes significant investments in financial aid, distributing millions of dollars in tuition assistance each year, making it a highly sought after program for high schoolers. If you or your child are looking to attend St. Ignatius or another Catholic high school, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a central part of the application process, and Test Prep Chicago can help you succeed! We are now offering one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for HSPT prep anytime (click here), in which they will be given access to thorough prep materials targeting each section of the HSPT. Our curriculum includes practice tests, and step-by-step solutions and strategies aligned with the HSPT format. We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT!